The 2024 movie, Conclave, brilliantly depicted the intense drama surrounding the selection of a new pope. It reveals that the process is less about prayer and more about politics, perception, and global symbolism. If the movie mirrors current events, we might anticipate the election of an “outlier,” though many hope for “God’s will” to prevail.
Since Pope Francis’ passing, there has been a strong push for an African or Asian pope. Ghana’s Cardinal, Peter Appiah Turkson, has garnered support from figures like President John Mahama and Archbishop Palmer-Buckle. As we await the final decision after May 7, it’s worth exploring the potential charismatic and economic impact of a “Turkson” (or African) papacy on Ghana and the continent.
Born to a Methodist mother, Cardinal Turkson has devoted his life to the Catholic Church, championing justice and peace. He was ordained as a priest in 1975, became an archbishop in 1992, and served as President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference from 1997 to 2005. In 2003, Pope John Paul II appointed him as Ghana’s first cardinal, and he participated in the 2005 Conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.
Beyond his religious duties, Cardinal Turkson has played significant roles in diplomacy and peacebuilding. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor appointed him as the Chair of Ghana’s first National Peace Council (2006–2010), and he mediated a peaceful resolution to the 2008 elections. His Vatican roles included, serving on the Pontifical Commission for Catholic-Methodist Dialogue (1997–2005), leading the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and acting as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. On behalf of the Vatican, he has mediated conflicts in Côte d’Ivoire and South Sudan, and has been a vocal advocate on issues like LGBTQ rights, climate change, poverty, and inequality.
In Ghana, Christians are about 70% of the population (with Catholics accounting for 10%, down from 15.1% in 2000). Despite this, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference remains one of the country’s most influential religious bodies, often shaping political outcomes. As Wilberforce, a 30-year-old Catholic and software engineer at Madina-Accra, puts it, “You have to be a politically evil government to be criticized by the Bishops’ Conference. He is not wrong. Historically, political regimes criticized by the conference before major elections have often faced defeat. Given its mission to advocate for peace and maintain stability in Ghana, the conference quickly speaks out against any threats to national peace through press releases and letters. Let’s not forget their strong stance on corruption in 2014 and 2022, their call for the government to take decisive action against illegal mining and their appeal to the church to reject tainted donations in 2024. These letters may seem insignificant to some, but they have played crucial roles in shaping election outcome.
Cardinal Turkson’s leadership, and his role in establishing a Catholic university are among his notable achievements.
Although the Charismatic-Pentecostals and Catholics hold different doctrinal beliefs, they share a common faith. Some non-Catholics believe that the election of a Black or Ghanaian pope could have significant implications for the global Christian community.
However, the charismatic leadership in Ghana has been slow to openly support Turkson’s candidacy; it’s an expected reaction, according to Rev. Richmond Hagan of Faithword Charismatic Ministries Worldwide in Accra, who acknowledges the respect charismatic clergy [should] have for Ghana’s first Cardinal. “Endorsing him may not be the best thing to do due to the stark differences between the theologies… It may create the impression of acceptance of the tradition the Protestants (Charismatics included) once broke away from. However acknowledging him and respecting his papacy will promote interdenominational unity”, he explains.
Pastor Victor Otere, Accra, believes a Ghanaian Pope would be a historic victory for Ghana’s Christian community, and will show Africa’s contributions to the global church. This development could spark curiosity and attention from charismatic churches towards the Catholic Church, although he is skeptical about its potential to draw new members.
“A Ghanaian Pope might attract some attention from charismatic church members curious about the Catholic Church’s stance on certain issues. However, the decision to shift membership would depend on individual beliefs, doctrines, and personal experiences”, he said.
Rev. Hagan strongly echoes the issue of African leadership capability, arguing that the selection of a Black Pope would break stereotypes about Africa lacking morally strong leaders and make the Catholic Church more inclusive. As he states, “the stereotypes of Africa lacking morally strong leaders will be shattered; the selling point that may draw people into the Catholic, if there are any, will be inclusivity.”
He further suggests that this representation may address the declining numbers in the Catholic Church in Ghana though he doubts “just optics” influences church membership.
“For the first time the African man may feel seen and thereby may want to identify with the Catholic community, particularly because the tradition of selecting only white men has been broken. Humans are inherently social creatures that want to belong.”
Filmmaker Kwabena Mankata agrees this development is a source of pride and will make him seen. “I will feel proud, seen and honored”. He stated.
In the case of Cardinal Turkson, Rev. Hagan also hints that his [Cardinal Turkson] potential ascension to the papacy would be a big boost or inspiration to young Africans in business.
“I recently listened to him speak at a conference on viewing business as a partnership with God where he advised Christians to take up roles in the business world instead of viewing it as an evil venture”, he said.
While recognizing other candidates, especially Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, Journalist Blessed Sogah, a nominal Catholic, thinks Cardinal Turkson’s possible rise to the papacy will give Ghana the kind of attention Kofi Annan did as UN Secretary General.
“We have not had a Ghanaian like that after Kofi Annan,” he said.
International relations expert, Dr. Ismael Hlovor agrees a Turkson Papacy will put the spotlight on Ghana, one that possibly trickles down economically but cautions that the world may not be ready for a Black Pope.
“So far as black people have risen to the office of cardinal, then there is the possibility that they could ascend to the office of a Pope but then having said that I believe that chances are still very slim” He said.
Dr. Hlovor argued that a black pope will be a major step forward in the fight against racism and discrimination globally.
“What that would do is to give a little bit of confidence to the black race and may actually be a shot in the arm against racism and other forms of discrimination across the world” he added.
He cautioned for measured expectations even if a black cardinal becomes pope, referencing the high hopes [Africa had] and subsequent disappointment when Barack Obama became president.
Pope Francis’s empathy and openness towards the LGBTQ community is a model Kwame in Canada hopes the next Pope, especially if an African or Cardinal Turkson will build on. Kwame is queer and identifies as a Christian.
“I was born in Assemblies of God, later went to Deeper Life on my own for over 10 years, later went to church of Pentecost then stop and went to St Mary’s Catholic in Ghana. But never baptized as a Catholic” He said.
However, Kwame is uncertain about the chances of a Black Pope and the Church’s stance on LGBTQ issues in future. He hopes the next Pope will take concrete actions beyond just speaking about LGBTQ concerns and pushing for meaningful changes within the Church.
The Catholic Church plays a vital role in supporting marginalized communities including migrants, refugees, and those in poverty, with both material and spiritual aid. The aid initiatives range from emergency relief to long-term social programs. Despite these efforts, it has often faced criticism for its vast wealth while many people and its followers live in difficult conditions.
The late Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), is widely remembered for his dedication to addressing poverty and social inequality. His choice of the name Francis, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, reflected his commitment to humility, compassion, and service to the poor—values that many see as closely aligned with Christ’s teachings.
Given that a significant portion of the world’s impoverished population resides in Africa, some believe that an African Pope could drive efforts to alleviate poverty and reduce inequality effectively.
However, Dr. Hlover expresses measured skepticism, noting that while a Black Pope, such as Cardinal Turkson, might shape the scope and direction of social relief programs benefiting Africa and his home country, his influence is limited, because the Pope’s role is distinct from that of a President.
Policy expert Bismark Kwofie emphasizes that the Catholic [and the] Church’s true value lies in promoting economic prosperity among its members, rather than just ensuring their survival. While he admires Cardinal Turkson, his primary concern is the economic well-being of followers.
“I like Cardinal Turkson and the feat he has achieved, I would love to see him there, but whoever becomes pope should help move the followers into economic freedom,” he remarked.
Kwofie advocates for a Pope who will shift its focus beyond social interventions, and create an entrepreneurial and innovation-centered church to address its own challenges. He believes that mere relief efforts create dependency, rather than solving problems.
“Reliefs don’t solve problems, they create a cycle of dependency and that’s a sin or a problem for God because 3 John 1:2 expresses God’s desire for everyone to attain a certain good level of prosperity.” He added.
Some believe an African Pope, like Cardinal Turkson, would preserve African culture and challenging the notion that Catholicism or Christianity is imported. Rev. Hagan agrees, stating “…it will also boost and spread the Christian faith to a larger demography of Africans and appeal to many who view Christianity and Catholicism as a white man’s adventure.” He adds that an African Pope would “stand firm against woke policies and values that have infiltrated the church and many governments.”
Again, Filmmaker Mankata notes, “African papacy will gain new recognition and the power to make decisions that preserve our culture.” Meanwhile, Pastor Victor believes a Cardinal Turkson would bring “strong cultural insights and contextual understanding” to cultural issues in the church.
The author, Ebenezer De Gaulle, is a media practitioner, and researcher at the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation.
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